Protecting personal data on a smartphone begins with controlling access to applications. On devices Samsung Galaxy with a shell One UI there are several ways to restrict access to instant messengers, banking apps or the gallery - from built-in functions to third-party solutions. But not all methods are equally reliable: some work through ADB, others require root access, and others only work on older versions of Android.

In this article we will look at 3 working methods set a password for the application in Samsung (including models Galaxy S23/S24, A54/A34 and others with One UI 5.0–6.1). We will pay special attention to the nuances: why on Android 14+, some blocking methods through the settings stopped workinghow to bypass Google restrictions, and which applications from Galaxy Store are really safe. If you need to hide not only the launch of a app, but also notifications, read the section about Secure Folder.

1. Built-in App Lock in Samsung: where to look and why it doesn’t always work

The most obvious way is to use the built-in function App Lock (locking applications). It is available in most smartphones Samsung based on One UI 3.1–6.1, but its location in the menu has changed with updates, and in some regions the function is missing altogether.

To find App Lock:

  • 🔍 Open Settings → Screen lock and security → Other security settings.
  • 🔐 If there is no item, try the path: Settings → Biometrics and security → Application blocking.
  • 📱 On Galaxy S22/S23 s Android 14 function may be hidden in Settings → Applications → Default selection → Application lock.

If App Lock is missing in your firmware, this is not an error. Samsung removes or moves the function depending on:

  • 🌍 Region of sale of the device (in Europe and the USA it is more often available).
  • 📦 Versions One UI (in One UI 6.0+ it was replaced by Secure Folder).
  • 🔄 Google Policies (with Android 12 limited the ability to block third-party applications).
⚠️ Attention: On Galaxy A14/A24 (2023) and budget models App Lock is often missing due to firmware optimization. Check the availability of the function manually - menu paths may differ even within the same line.

Make sure that you have a PIN code or pattern installed on your phone|Check the One UI version in Settings → About phone → One UI version|Update the firmware if the function is missing (sometimes it appears after the update)|Download a backup copy of your data (in case of failure)

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If App Lock found, the blocking algorithm is simple:

  1. Select applications from the list (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
  2. Set the lock type: PIN, Fingerprint or Face recognition.
  3. Activate the option "Hide notification contents" (if necessary).

Disadvantages of the method:

  • 🚫 Doesn't work on Android 14+ for some applications (for example, Telegram can ignore the lock).
  • 🔄 After rebooting the phone, the lock is reset (you need to enter the password again).
  • 📵 Does not hide the application from the menu (only limits launch).

2. Secure Folder: how to hide an application behind a password and biometrics

Secure Folder is a “sandbox” from Samsung, which creates an isolated space for applications and files. Unlike App Lock, here you can not only block access, but also completely hide the app from the main menu. The function is available on all devices with One UI 2.0+ (including Galaxy S10 and newer).

To configure Secure Folder:

  1. Go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder.
  2. Log in via account Samsung (required!).
  3. Select the lock type: PIN, Password or Biometrics (combination recommended).
  4. Click "Add applications" and select the ones you need from the list (for example, Instagram, Tinkoff, Photo).

Advantages Secure Folder before App Lock:

Criteria App Lock Secure Folder
Hide the application from the menu ❌ No ✅ Yes
Work on Android 14+ ⚠️ Partially ✅ Fully
Biometric authorization ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (including iris scanner on Galaxy Note)
Protection of files (photos, documents) ❌ No ✅ Yes (you can transfer files to Secure Folder)
Samsung account required ❌ No ✅ Yes

How to transfer an application to Secure Folder:

  1. Open Secure Folder from the notification panel or application menu.
  2. Click "Add" → "Applications".
  3. Select a app (for example, VK) and wait for the copy to install.
  4. Run the application from Secure Folder and log in again (main account data is not transferred!).
⚠️ Attention: Applications in Secure Folder take up additional space - in fact, a duplicate of them is installed. On Galaxy A52 with 128 GB of memory, this can become a problem if you block heavy apps (for example, Google Maps or games).
What to do if Secure Folder does not open?

If after entering the password Secure Folder it gives an error "Could not connect", try:

1. Restart the phone.

2. Check your Internet connection (required for synchronization with your Samsung account).

3. Update Samsung Knox in the Galaxy Store.

4. Reset Secure Folder settings via Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder → Delete (data will be lost!).

3. Third-party blocking applications: which ones work on Samsung in 2026

If the built-in methods do not work are suitable, you can use third-party apps from Google Play or Galaxy Store. However, with the release of Android 14 many applications lost access to blocking functions due to tightening policies. Below is the current list of proven solutions (at the time of writing). data-i="159">Top 3 applications for blocking on Google. Below is the current list of proven solutions (at the time of writing).

Top 3 apps to block on Samsung:

  • 🔒 AppLock by DoMobile Lab —supports fingerprint locking, has a mode "Burglar" (photo of the one who tried to hack). Minus: shows ads in the free version.
  • 🛡️ Norton App Lock - from a well-known antivirus, blocks not only startup, but also notifications. Minus: requires a lot of permissions.
  • 📱 Smart AppLock (by SpSoft) — works on Android 14, there is a function "Fake crash" (if you enter the wrong password, it shows a system error). Minus: plugins for some applications are paid.

How to install and configure AppLock by DoMobile Lab:

  1. Download the application from Galaxy Store (preferred) or Google Play.
  2. When you first start, install PIN code or Pattern key.
  3. Enable the option "Deletion protection" (so that the application cannot be uninstalled without a password).
  4. Add the desired apps to the block list using the button "+".
  5. Activate "Hidden Mode" (the application will masquerade as a calculator).
⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block operation AppLock due to a conflict with their own protection. In this case, use SberBank Online applications: Secure Folder.

Built-in App Lock|Secure Folder|Third-party applications (for example, AppLock)|Do not block|Another way

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Benefits of third party apps:

  • ✅ Works on all versions Android (including 14+).
  • ✅ More settings (for example, blocking by time or geolocation).
  • ✅ Ability to hide the blocker application itself.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Requires permission "Overlay on top of other applications", which may conflict with some games.
  • ⚠️ Paid functions (often limited in free versions functionality).
  • ⚠️ Risk of data leakage (especially for little-known applications).

4. Blocking via ADB: for advanced users

If you are ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can block applications at the system level. suitable for Samsung Galaxy on Android 10–13, but on Android 14+ it is unstable due to restrictions Google.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB drivers.
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Software information → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → Developer → USB debugging).
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Instructions for blocking via ADB:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC and open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
  2. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The serial number should appear device.

  3. Lock the application (for example, Gallery) with the command: 
    adb shell pm hide com.sec.android.gallery3d

    (replace com.sec.android.gallery3d with the package of the desired application).

  4. To unlock, use: 
    adb shell pm unhide com.sec.android.gallery3d

How to find the application package:

  1. Install Package Name Viewer from Google Play.
  2. Open the application and find the desired app in the list.
  3. Copy the name of the package (for example, com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).
⚠️ Attention: Blocking via ADB does not protect data - it simply hides the application from the menu. To return it, just enter the command unhide or reset your phone. For complete protection, use this method together with Secure Folder.

1. Install App Cloner from Google Play.

2. Create a clone of the application (for example, Telegram).

3. Transfer the clone to Secure Folder and delete the original.

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5. Features of blocking on different Samsung models

Application blocking functions may vary depending on the model Samsung Galaxy. Below are the key differences for popular lines (data is relevant for firmware One UI 5.0–6.1).

Model App Lock Secure Folder ADB blocking Notes
Galaxy S23/S24 Ultra ❌ No (on Android 14) ✅ Yes ⚠️ Partially On One UI 6.1 App Lock replaced by Secure Folder.
Galaxy A54/A34 ✅ Yes (in some regions) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Budget models retain App Lock for compatibility.
Galaxy Z Fold5/Flip5 ❌ No ✅ Yes ⚠️ No (due to multi-window mode) On folding models ADB-commands may not work correctly.
Galaxy Tab S9 ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes On tablets App Lock often available even on new firmware.

On Galaxy M-series (for example, M53 or M33) locking functions may be limited due to simplified firmware. If Secure Folder is missing, check:

  • 🔄 Update the firmware. via Settings → Software update.
  • 🌍 Change the device region to Europe or USA (via Settings → General → Date and time → Region).
  • 🔧 Reset the settings to factory settings (make a backup first!).

6. How to bypass the lock if you forgot your password

If you have forgotten the password for App Lock or Secure Folder, there are several recovery methods - but they lead to the loss of data in the protected space.

For Secure Folder:

  1. Go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder.
  2. Click "Delete" (or "Reset" depending on the version).
  3. Confirm deletion through your account Samsung.
  4. Create Secure Folder again (all data inside will be deleted!).

For third-party applications (for example, AppLock):

  • If enabled option "Recovery by email", use it.
  • If not, delete the application via Settings → Applications and install it again (the lock will be reset).

For ADBlocking:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC and enter the command: 
    adb shell pm unhide [application_package]
  2. If you don’t remember the package, use: 
    adb shell pm list packages -f

    to see the full list.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting Galaxy S22/S23 With One UI 6.0+ reset Secure Folder through your account may require confirmation via SMS or email. If you do not have access to the linked email, it will be impossible to restore the data. Samsung may require confirmation via SMS or email. If you do not have access to the linked mail, it will be impossible to restore the data.
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The only reliable way not to lose data when resetting your password is to regularly create backup copies Secure Folder through Settings → Accounts and archiving → Archiving and recovery.

7. Alternative methods of protecting applications

If password locking is not suitable, consider alternative methods of protection:

1. Hiding applications through the launcher

  • 📱 Use the launcher Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher —they allow you to hide apps from the menu.
  • 🔍 In the launcher settings, find the option "Hidden applications" and add the ones you need.
  • ⚠️ Minus: the application remains accessible through search or Settings → Applications.

2. Blocking via Digital Wellbeing (Android 9+)

  • 🕒 Go to Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Toolbar.
  • 🔒 Set a time limit for the application (after expiration it will be blocked).
  • ⚠️ Minus: the blocking is reset every day.

3. Data encryption. applications

  • 🔐 Some apps (for example, Signal or ProtonMail) support their own encryption.
  • 📁 For files, use Cryptomator or ES File Explorer (function "Encrypt").

4. Removing from the menu via ADB (without blocking)

If you just need to hide the application (without a password), use:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 [application_package]

To return:

adb shell pm enable [application_package]

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking applications in Samsung

Is it possible to put a password on system applications (for example, Settings or Phone)?

No, App Lock and Secure Folder do not allow you to block system apps. An alternative is to use the ADB-command pm hide, but this hides the application rather than putting a password on it. On Android 14+ even this method may not work due to limitations Google.

Why did App Lock disappear after updating One UI?

B One UI 6.0+ (based on Android 14) Samsung deleted App Lock as a separate function, replacing it with Secure Folder. This is due to the new policy Google, which prohibits blocking third-party applications at the system level. Return App Lock You can only roll back the firmware (not recommended) or use third-party apps.

Is it possible to block access to application notifications?

Yes, but not in all cases:

  • In App Lock yes option "Hide notifications" (does not work for all applications).
  • In Secure Folder notifications from blocked applications are not shown by default.
  • In Android 13+ you can disable notifications for a specific application through Settings → Notifications → Setting up notifications.

For instant messengers (for example, Telegram or Viber) it is better to use their built-in settings privacy.

Will the lock work if the phone is unlocked?

Depends on the method:

  • App Lock: requires entering a password every time you open the application, even if the phone is unlocked.
  • Secure Folder: requests a password/biometrics when logging in folder, but not when launching each application inside.
  • Third-party applications (for example, AppLock): usually require a password every time you open it, but this is configurable.

On Galaxy S23 Ultra s One UI 6.1 you can configure automatic blocking Secure Folder after 5-30 minutes of inactivity.

How to protect applications from children without setting a password?

Use Children's mode (Kids Mode) or Digital Wellbeing:

  1. Activate Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Parental Control.
  2. Set time limits or block the installation of new applications.
  3. For games, use Google Family Link (allows you to control remotely child's device).

On Galaxy Tab there is a separate Children's mode with a limited desktop.